A steadily improving housing market has RE/MAX United REALTORS optimistic for another good year in local real estate. Low interest rates for mortgages combined with more reasonable credit standards contributed to a strong market in 2014 and local REALTORS see more of the same for 2015.

North Kent County’s most productive real estate brokerage posted a 23% gain in closed sales at just shy of $75,000,000 and is projecting sales to rise to $100,000,000 in 2015. Homes priced under $200,000 continue a multi-year run of high demand while higher price ranges are generating more and more interest. Strong demand for new construction homes is also driving sales to higher levels in 2015.

RE/MAX United owner Tom Rich sees several factors influencing the real estate market in early 2015. “A mild winter as compared to last year, lower gas prices, and continued low mortgage rates have helped sales stay steady through a traditionally slow November to January period. In 2014 the devastating cold and snow put a deep freeze on the market and pushed many property listings months later in the year” said Rich. “The impact of lower gas prices could have a big impact on rural housing demand in 2015. Driving an extra 5, 10, or 20 miles to communities like Cedar Springs, Kent City, Greenville, and township areas further out from employment centers is more desirable at $2.00 a gallon than at $4.00 a gallon. Having a few extra dollars at the end of the week helps consumers feel more confident and optimistic.”

Housing developments that had additional phases to build out but remained stagnant through the recession began adding new homes in 2014 and will continue to add more homes in 2015/16. Local production builders like KBH Homes, Sable Homes, and Allen Edwin Homes are doing everything they can to keep up with demand. Custom homes builders like Nugent Builders are seeing strong demand across all price ranges including the high end home market. The new inventory is critical to filling demand according to Rich. “From 2007 to 2012 builders faced incredible challenges and did not build enough homes to meet future housing demands – population growth happens no matter how the economy is performing and there is simply not enough housing choices right now. The next generation of potential home buyers is here and they are having difficulty finding acceptable housing. By adding new homes choices to the market, those home owners that haven’t found a satisfying option from their current home. If we can offer existing home owners new choices than we can free up homes for first time home buyers, and those in their first home that are ready to move up.”

RE/MAX United projects existing home prices to rise about 5% in 2015. Rich says that price increase comes with a friendly reminder: “If you are waiting for your existing home to rise another 5% before you sell, just remember, your next home is likely rising by the same amount.”

Tom and Tracie Rich of RE/MAX United have been named RE/MAX of Michigan’s Broker/Owners of the Year for 2014.

The RE/MAX of Michigan Awards Gala and Conference recognizes brokers and realtors of RE/MAX franchise offices throughout the State of Michigan. The event was hosted by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and attended by more than 500 REALTORS, staff, and sponsors.

The Broker/Owner of the Year Award is the highest honor a RE/MAX franchisee can achieve at the event as it recognizes market performance, growth, innovation, and dedication to the brand. The Rich’s were honored in the Medium Density Market category which is determined by the size of the population area the brokerage serves. The award is also given to brokers in High and Low Density market areas.

Tom & Tracie also received the award in 2013 as well as being selected New Franchise of the Year in 2012. Co-owner Tom Rich was happy to receive the award for 2014. “Honestly, we were as surprised to win as we were the year before. The competition for the award in our market size is intense and there are many excellent RE/MAX offices throughout the state. Winning it once is something to be proud of and winning it twice makes us want to work even harder – it sets a baseline for us. We have many of the finest agents in the marketplace and how they represent RE/MAX United and their clients allows Tracie and I to be recognized. We know this is an award earned not just by the owners but by the agents, staff, and our vendors. It takes a strong team to achieve big things.”